Molestation a possible motive for murder

Kimberley - Molestation has emerged as a possible motive for the brutal murders of three members of the Steenkamp family on a farm near Griekwastad.

According to Sunday newspapers, one of the victims, 14-year-old Marthella Steenkamp, was sexually molested before she was shot four times.

However, this allegation did not form part of last week’s bail application by a 16-year-old boy who has been arrested in connection with the murders. On Sunday, the boy’s defence team, as well as the investigating officer, Colonel Dick de Waal, declined to comment on the report.

Sunday newspapers claimed that sources close to the investigation as well as to members of the family, confirmed that the police are looking at the possibility that Marthella was molested. It is suspected that her father, Deon Steenkamp, found out about the alleged molestation, which then resulted in the massacre.

According to reports, it also appears as if Marthella tried to flee the house before she was struck several times over the head and then shot.